Smiling golden retriever at Tails & Trails in Ericeira
Tails & Trails in Ericeira

A calmer day for your pet.

Tell me what your pet is used to: walks, meals, sleep, little comforts and what helps them settle. I shape daycare, boarding, walks or home visits around that rhythm, with simple WhatsApp updates while you are away.

How my house rhythm works

I keep the day calm, familiar and easy to follow.

Small groups, familiar routines, coastal walks, garden pauses and simple photo check-ins help pets settle in and help you feel close while you are away.

Inside my home, not out the back.Dogs join a lived-in home rhythm with rest, company and supervision.
Ericeira pace, not a rigid clock.I shape walks around age, energy, confidence and how your dog settles into the day.
You stay in the loop.Simple check-ins turn "I hope they're okay" into visible reassurance.
Happy dog on a calm Tails & Trails walk in Ericeira
A small home rhythm for Ericeira families, expats and visitors.
Dog relaxing in a calm home-style Tails & Trails setting in Ericeira
With Ema A real home rhythm, with time to get to know your pet.

Meet Ema

Hi, I'm Ema. Your pet's routine matters here.

I run Tails & Trails from my home in Ericeira for people who want calm care, clear updates and one familiar person from the first message to the final pickup.

Before we book, I ask about the little things that shape a good day: meals, walks, sleep, confidence, medication, favourite comforts and what your pet is used to at home. If it feels like the right fit, I keep the rhythm simple, calm and easy for you to follow while you are away.

You talk to me Before care, during updates and if plans change, you know who is with your pet.
Home pace Days are shaped around walks, meals, rest, company and quiet time.
Slow first hellos For daycare, boarding and longer stays, I start with whether the routine feels right.
Easy to settle in English or Portuguese, with clear help for families, visitors and new arrivals.

When local life gets full

I fit care around the real Ericeira week.

Surf, work calls, travel days and new routines can make pet care hard to plan. I give your pet a steady place to land when the day gets complicated.

Surf mornings When the swell is good, I keep your dog on their own calm routine.
Remote work days Care for the days when calls, deadlines and errands run longer than planned.
Travel gaps Boarding, sitting and longer stays when you are leaving Portugal or coming back.
New arrivals I can help in English or Portuguese while you are still finding local routines.

How I can help

Daycare, walks, stays and visits shaped around your pet.

What I plan around

I start with the basics: a calm routine, clear expectations, honest updates and enough space for your pet to be known.

  • Care matched to age, routine and confidence
  • WhatsApp updates that keep you close
  • Custom quotes after I understand the dates
Dog enjoying supervised in-home care
The workday companion

In-Home Dog Daycare

A day in my Ericeira home, with walks, garden time, rest and company instead of a kennel routine.

  • Home setting with quiet rest
  • Garden time when it fits
  • Daily WhatsApp updates
Dog resting during overnight boarding
The sleepover

Overnight Dog Boarding

Overnight care in my home for dogs who do better with company, familiar rhythms and a calmer pace.

  • Inside my home overnight
  • Walks where suitable
  • Company and supervision
Samoyed in a relaxed long-term care setting
The extended stay

Recurring & Long-Term Pet Sitting

A steady plan for longer trips, relocation weeks or regular support while your household finds its rhythm in Portugal.

  • Stable routine over time
  • Useful for travel and relocation
  • Plan agreed before care starts
Small dog resting during an at-home visit
The routine keeper

At-Home Pet Sitting

I visit pets who are happiest staying in their own space and keeping their usual routine.

  • Food, fresh water and company
  • Medication where agreed
  • Your pet stays in familiar surroundings
Dog walk near the Ericeira coast
The coastal reset

Dog Walking in Ericeira

I pace walks around your dog, from quick resets to coastal routes when the day allows.

  • Paced for your dog
  • For busy workdays
  • Local Ericeira routes
Cat receiving in-home pet sitting care
The quiet visit

Cat & Exotic Pet Sitting

Quiet visits for cats, rabbits, reptiles, parrots and small mammals, keeping the routine as familiar as possible.

  • Species-specific care notes
  • Litter, feeding and checks
  • Quiet, attentive visits

Rates & custom quotes

I quote around your pet, your dates and the care needed.

I don't use a one-size price list. I build each quote after I understand the routine, location, care records and support your pet needs.

What I price around Care type, dates, location, number of pets, walks, overnight needs, medication and special routines.
What helps me reply Dates, address area, pet age, home routine, diet, medication and whether you need daycare, boarding, walks or visits.
When I suggest a trial For longer stays, a first introduction can confirm the rhythm feels right before a full booking.
Dog walking outside in Ericeira

How I keep care calm

I only say yes when the rhythm feels right.

Before a longer stay, I check that the routine, social comfort and space feel right. A slower start keeps the house calm and helps you know what to expect.

24-hour assessment before first booking A paid trial day helps me check fit, routine and comfort before longer care.
Clear check-ins You can see how your pet is settling without needing to chase for reassurance.
English and Portuguese You can speak with me in English or Portuguese, useful if you are new to Ericeira or still finding local routines.
Nearby coastal towns Ericeira is home base, with Mafra, Ribamar, Foz do Lizandro, Sao Lourenco, Carvoeira and Sintra handled when timing works.

What owners tell me most

You can leave knowing your pet has settled.

That is the feeling I care about most: you see your pet resting, walking, eating and being known by name, so time away feels easier.

★★★★★
James mentioned real peace of mind after searching for dog care he could trust.
James
★★★★★
Ro shared that her dog settled happily and came home relaxed.
Ro
★★★★★
Oscar called the care incredible and recommends Tails & Trails to other dog owners.
Oscar

Moments from my days with pets

Before your pet joins me

The details that help care feel safe.

What should I send before asking for availability?

Send me your dates, area, care type, pet age, usual routine, feeding notes, medication, health basics and anything your pet finds easy or difficult. A short honest picture helps me reply with the care path that actually fits.

How many dogs do you care for at once?

I keep care intentionally limited and check fit before longer bookings. That gives every dog real attention, steady routines and enough space to settle without pressure.

Do you speak English?

Yes. You can speak with me in English or Portuguese, which helps if you are new to Ericeira or still finding your local routine.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day might include walks, meals, garden time, rest, company and a simple WhatsApp update. The rhythm depends on your pet's age, energy, confidence and what they are used to at home.

Is there an assessment before booking?

For daycare, boarding and longer stays, I usually suggest a first assessment or slow introduction. It gives your pet time to explore and gives me time to see whether the routine feels right.

How do custom quotes work?

I quote around the care type, dates, location, number of pets, routine, walks, overnight needs, medication and any special notes. I confirm what feels realistic before sending a quote.

Will I get updates?

Yes. I usually send photo or video check-ins through WhatsApp, so you are not left wondering how the day is going.

What health information do you need?

Before shared-home care, I ask for relevant health details, vaccination status, medication instructions, flea or tick notes, your vet contact and anything recent that could affect the day.

Which dogs are a good fit for daycare or boarding?

Daycare and boarding work best for settled adult dogs who are comfortable sharing a calm home environment, resting between walks and meeting people politely. I check each request first and may suggest walks, visits or another care path if that would feel better for the dog.

What if my dog needs a slow start?

Tell me early. Some pets do better with a short hello, a walk first, a home visit or a slower plan before daycare or boarding. I would rather shape the care gently than rush the fit.

Do you care for cats, rabbits or other small pets?

Yes, by arrangement. Home visits can cover feeding, water, litter or habitat checks, medication where agreed, and quiet company for cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and small mammals.

Can you help with more than one pet in the same home?

Yes. Multi-pet homes are planned around each animal's routine, feeding, walking needs, medication and the calmest way to care for everyone.

Should I choose daycare, boarding, walks or home visits?

Daycare suits daytime company, boarding suits overnight stays, walks help busy local days, and home visits suit pets who settle best in their own space. Send me the situation and I can suggest the most realistic option.